To Step Up or Not?

[KSH]

I guess you need to ask yourself... WHY are you racing?

For the medals? Or for the challenge?

If it's for the medals, stay with the beginners. If it's for the challenge, then move up.

Good luck deciding!

[GLC1968]

Let me preface this by saying that I have no racing experience.

In all honesty, your post sounds like you want to move up to the next class. If you do move up, and you race next year, will it be in the same "sport" class again? If so, moving up now would not only give you a greater challenge, it might also set you up for greater success next year.

I'm very competitive by nature, so for me, a 1st place beginners finish that I didn't feel I had to work for wouldn't hold nearly as much weight or sense of accomplishment as would moving up a class in my first year of racing and finishing in a respectable place. That's just me though.

If you think there is still more to learn and benefits to gain by staying in the beginners class, then it may be worth your while to do so.

[SalsaMTB]

Yeah, I guess in my head I've already decided I want to move up. It isn't fun standing at the start line knowing I can win. I'm competitive and I like a challenge. Getting a gold in beginner isn't really my long-term goal. I guess some of my teammates got to my head a little saying that I should just finish the season off in my current class. I guess I just needed a couple more people agreeing I was doing the right thing

Thanks girls!

OK, now a question.....

As I stated in my original post, the next race is a marathon XC race. My other races have been about 10 miles long, but I frequently will ride 16-20 miles off road, not much of a problem. Any recommendations in how to train for a 42 mile off road race in one month??? Would doing long road rides help, or should I be putting all the miles in off-road?

[annie]

Salsa,

I think you need both long road rides (to build endurance) and at least one longer off-road ride (to build confidence, knowing you CAN do it.) What I've read (and experienced) is that you can do AT LEAST 25% more mileage in a competive event than you've trained. Your adrenaline and competitive spirit kicks in and BOOM! You just get out there and GO! Do some long road rides. Do some tough miles off-road. You'll be ready to jump into the Sport Category. Have fun!

Annie

[rocknrollgirl]

Hi,
I read this post this morning, and was mulling over what I would do. I race mt bikes too, so I am a dirt sister.

Now Part One:
Move up...you are young and have many years yet to race and to win. Scope those girls out this season and take 'em down next year. ( can you tell how competitive I am?)

Part Two:
I would be spending most of my time off road. Now in my opinion, as a fellow mt biker... I gotta say, girlfriend, it is gonna be ugly. The 42 miler is the only thing that made me hesitate to scream MOVE UP when I read this post early this morning.
You have to focus on just finishing that puppy. Start adding in a longer ride once or twice a week. Don't worry too much about tearing it up, just pace yourself. Work on your nutrition too. Hydration and nutrition are going to be key.

I hope you plan to keep us posted. I will be anxious to hear how your training goes.

[RoadRaven]

Glad you have come to a decision, Salsa...

Now, as to the long race.
My understanding is that ideally you should not increase your distances by more than 10% in a week.

You have a month to move from 10 to 42 miles...

I suggest you work your rides up to the point of doing a 30/32miler or so a week before the race, then have a light week (active recovery) and go for it on race day